Glossary
Construction processes
Concrete casting
The process of pouring wet concrete into formwork or molds where it hardens into the desired shape. Timing, temperature control, and proper vibration are critical for quality.
Construction site
The location where construction work is actively being performed, including all areas needed for materials storage, site offices, and worker facilities.
Drainage
System of pipes, gravel, and channels that collect and remove water from around foundations and structures to prevent water pressure and moisture infiltration.
Excavation
The process of removing earth to create space for foundations, basements, or underground utilities. Includes managing soil stability, water drainage, and proper disposal of excavated material.
Project management & contracts
Construction period
The allocated timeframe for completing construction work from start to finish, specified in contracts and critical for project planning and penalties.
General contract
Contract where one main contractor is responsible for the entire project, coordinating all subcontractors and trades. The client has a single point of contact.
Site manager
The person responsible for daily operations on a construction site, coordinating workers, managing schedules, ensuring quality, and maintaining safety.
Tender
A formal offer submitted by a contractor stating the price and terms for completing specified construction work in response to a tender invitation.
Regulatory & planning
AMA
Standardized Swedish specification system (Allmän Material och Arbetsbeskrivning) describing construction materials and work processes, ensuring consistent communication between designers and contractors.
As-built document
Documentation showing the actual constructed conditions including any changes made during construction, essential for future renovations and maintenance.
Building permit
Legal authorization required before starting construction, renovation, or alteration work. Without this permit, construction cannot legally commence, and violations can result in fines or demolition orders.
Building regulations
Sweden's national building code (Boverkets byggregler) that establishes minimum standards for construction, safety, accessibility, and energy efficiency. All construction must comply with these regulations.
Safety & equipment
Fall protection
Systems and equipment preventing workers from falling from heights, including guardrails, safety harnesses, nets, and edge protection.
Fire resistance
The ability of a building element to withstand fire exposure for a specified duration while maintaining structural integrity and preventing fire spread.
Personal protective equipment
Mandatory safety gear including hard hats, safety boots, high-visibility clothing, gloves, and eye protection worn by all site personnel.
Safety helmet
Hard hat protecting the head from falling objects and impacts, mandatory on all construction sites.
Specialized terms
CAD drawing
Technical drawing created using computer-aided design software, providing precise dimensions and specifications for construction.
Energy declaration
Required document showing a building's energy performance and efficiency, mandatory for selling or renting properties in Sweden.
Eurocode
Set of European standards for structural design and construction covering loads, concrete, steel, timber, and geotechnical design.
Geotechnical
Relating to the engineering behavior of earth materials including soil mechanics, foundation design, and ground stability analysis.
Structural elements & materials
Bearing wall
A wall that carries structural loads from above (roof, floors) down to the foundation. Unlike partition walls, bearing walls cannot be removed without structural modifications.
Crawl space
Shallow unfinished area beneath the first floor providing access to utilities while keeping the building elevated above ground moisture.
Expansion joint
Deliberate separation in a structure allowing independent movement of adjacent sections due to temperature changes, settling, or seismic activity, preventing cracking.
Floor slab
Horizontal structural element separating building stories and supporting floor loads. Can be concrete, timber joists, or steel beams with decking.
Testing & quality
Concrete testing
Sampling and analyzing fresh or hardened concrete to verify it meets specified strength, workability, and durability requirements.
Deviation report
Formal documentation describing instances where work differs from plans or specifications, including proposed corrective actions.
Inspection
Formal examination of completed work to verify it meets specifications, regulations, and quality standards before acceptance and payment.
Inspection plan
Scheduled program outlining when and how quality checks will be performed throughout construction to ensure standards are maintained.